One of the most important GCA committees because of its affiliation with the Smithsonian, the Garden History & Design Committee serves as a liaison between our club and the Smithsonian Archives of American Gardens by documenting local area gardens for preservation. Smithsonian Gardens AAG's primary mission, in conjunction with The GCA’s Garden History & Design Committee, is to collect unique, high quality American cultivated garden images with accompanying documentation. Through this documentation, AAG strives to preserve and highlight a collection of significant aspects of American gardening for public access now and for researchers in the future.

Every moment a garden exists it is subject to the forces of change, loss, and, in some cases, destruction. A familiar and beloved garden today may become a distant memory in a matter of time due to changing landscape trends, urban development or, in the case of a natural disaster in just a few minutes. In January 2019, our own Garden Club of Santa Barbara saw firsthand the devastation and destruction that followed mother nature's rains and the floods. We saw homes destroyed and some gone forever. Even the most meticulously maintained garden evolves over time deviating from its original design. Unless gardens are photographed and their history and life span documented, the thought, creativity, care, and labor that goes into them may be lost forever.

Gardens highlight the difference in regions, culture, history, and the personal tastes that influence them. Despite their uniqueness, gardens are such a subtle and natural part of our surroundings they are often taken for granted and may not be noticed until they are in danger of disappearing or are already gone forever.

Garden History & Design uses photography and research, the study of good design practices, educational and lecture programs, historic preservation awards, and internships to develop an appreciation of America’s significant gardens.

The committee work includes:

• adding to the GCA Collection at the Archives of American Gardens (AAG) at the Smithsonian Institution by researching, documenting, and photographing American gardens.

• educating club members about historical and contemporary landscape and garden design through GH&D and AAG resources and workshops.

• illustrating how American garden history is an integral part of the cultural and social life of the communities where these gardens exist.

• honoring club member and others, as well as organizations by encouraging and approving GCA historic preservation awards and commendations.